Gift of Touch

September 12th, 2011 at 7:41 am (Health, Health Coach, Mindful Living, Stress reduction)

I spent a lot of time this weekend in deep reflection on the tragedy of 9/11 and seeking a way to powerfully connect the beauty of our hearts into the world we live in.

The hands are an extension of our heart. I believe one of the powerful tools to express the qualities of our heart is touch. Touch supports us to develop the ability to align our inner world and outer experience. We can start with an awareness of how we feel in our heart and expand this feeling to extend down our arms to our hands and into the world.

Touch is a precious and simple gift that magnifies our expression, our attention and our care for the people and the world around us.

Not sure where to start? Watch this video where Chris introduces a simple touch technique that will inspire you to utilize the power that is waiting to be expressed through your touch.

  • http://www.thereflectivewriter.com/blog/ Judy Stone-Goldman

    Thanks for a technique that is simple enough for me to do! I sometimes shy away from these kinds of techniques because they are too much, whether by the amount of time or the experience required. I don’t think often about giving touch to myself, but of course it can be powerful, so why not provide that support to myself?

    Judy Stone-Goldman
    The Reflective Writer
    http://www.thereflectivewriter.com/blog/
    Personal-Professional Balance Through Writing

  • http://julieannecasefromtheheart.com Julieanne Case

    Yes, I love how we can start it all in the heart and intend that the energies flow where we need them.  Sometimes just putting your hands on your heart can calm you.  You spoke of doing that for a meditation practice as well.

    Julieanne Case Always from the heart!

     Reconnecting you to your essence, joy, vitality, youth.| Healing you from the Inside Out |Reconnective Healing | AgeLoc Skin Care |  Pharmanex Supplements

    http://thereconnectivehighway.com

  • http://www.vickidellojoio.com Vicki Dello Joio

    I love how you express this practice which is one I find resonates greatly with my experience with chi kung healing, where heart energy resides in both the palms and the tips of the middle finger. I believe that starting by giving healing touch to ourselves opens us up to being able to be present with others. 

  • http://www.lauriehurleyonline.com Laurie Hurley

    Thanks, Chris! I’m a very touchy person by nature – it helps me to express myself to give someone a warm hug or a squeeze on the shoulder. I don’t really concentrate on self-touching too much. This is easy though and not to “out there”. I haven’t enjoyed some of the yoga classes I have been to where the instructor does some kind of weird touching thing. Not my style, but this is more of a mind thing, which is easier for me!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1153733285 Jaspreet K. Mundeir

    Thanks Chris, what a simple  and powerful technique that everyone can use to help them connect with their heart chakra.  Touch has such a powerful healing property, and when we are present behind that touch, and give it intention, the healing nature of that touch magnifies.  Thanks for sharing!

  • Donna McCord

    I never really thought about the hands being an extension of the heart center, but what a lovely truth that is! Touch is important to me; I am a huggy type person and love to express myself through touch, although I also try to be sensitive to others and not be invasive! I think it is true that people who tend to be put off by expressing through touch are people who have been hurt in the past in some way and are afraid to be hurt again. Do you think that might be true? I enjoyed your exercise, and once again, you produced a terrific video!

  • http://beachbodycoach.com/kirkzacharda Kirk Zacharda

    I love to give hugs and just lay my hand on the shoulder of another to let them know I am there present and in complete stillness within my being.  I know this comes through in the sense of peace and calmness and can also be healing if the person is receptive to my consciousness.

  • http://PatZahn.com Pat Zahn

    This is interesting for me. I don’t remember making the conscious choice, but for the last couple years I have been “mindfully” touching people when I approach them (people I know) with an extended touch. Meaning I don’t just tap them, I gently place my hand on someone’s shoulder to make a connection  before talking. Again, I don’t know why I started this (I’m not a toucher by nature) but I noticed a very positive response – so of course I keep doing it :)

  • http://home-decorating-makeovers.com/ Jennifer Duchene

    Such power in conscious touch. I am really enjoying reconnecting to my body and my spirit.  Thinking with my heart is making me a happier more open person.  Thanks for sharing such a useful tool.

    Jennifer DucheneThe Home Makeover Mixtress blending lifestyle, laughter and Chic Cocoons™http://LYShome.com

  • http://brendamjones.com Brenda Jones

    I enjoyed reading the comments.  I am not a touchy person, and if someone comes at me with a light touch? No way.  If touch is an extension of the heart center, then it seems logical that I avoid it as a way to protect myself… an additional wall.  If someone offers a hug, I will do it, but I rarely start that interaction.  Hmm, might need to go think about that.

  • http://MagnoliaJazz.com/blog Robbie Schlosser

    Hi Chris,
    Thanks for this explanation of how powerful a simple touch can be.  I haven’t thought about it deliberately, but in recent years I notice my friends and colleagues are more likely to greet with a touch.  Whatever the reason, it’s nice to think we’re growing more caring and supportive.
    Robbie

  • http://susan-berland.com/ Susan Berland

    I love the practices you share on your blog Chris. They are practical and deep at the same time. I’m very much a toucher. Yet, this exercise is different. Feeling the energy flow was very powerful. Thank you. I will use this.

    Susan Berland
    A Picture’s Worth
    http://susan-berland.com

  • Anonymous

    I love that you show us things we can do here and now, simply!  That is awesome…being a newbie:)  I am a touchy feely person with those I know well, but not so much when I don’t know someone…and can totally relate to Brenda’s comment about putting that wall up, and added layer of protection….something I am learning about myself!  Thanks for sharing….I will keep this in mind next time I am reaching for somebody.

    Rita Brennan Freay
    http://www.ritabrennanfreay.com

  • http://www.AimfortheStarsTutoring.com MeredithJacob

    Whenever I’m really trying to get my 5 year old son’s attention, I tough his arm or back and it makes such a difference.  If he’s really upset, he doesn’t really hear me unless I do that.  Great technique for so many different situations.

  • http://twitter.com/lvitale Lisa Vitale, Realtor

    I love the idea of touch and what it can communicate.  Interesting story: not too long ago I was experiencing what I’m guessing was a panic attack late at night.  I wasn’t sure what it was, what I should do, etc. and I was freaking out a bit.  I woke up my husband and after chatting a bit about ER visits, etc. he just reached over and held my hand.  I almost instantly started to feel better, and within 10 minutes I was much better and eventually went to sleep.

    I’ve used that technique in similar situations since then; when it’s my husband, it always works for me.

    Lisa Vitale, Momprenuer
    http://www.lisawifemom.wordpress.

  • http://thelightforcegroup.com Khaleghl Quinn, Ph.D.

    Chris,
    Thank you for this gift of touch, and all you are doing.  It is so needed these days.  I certainly enjoyed the feeling and effect of doing your guided practice and will tell others to experience your gifts
    .  
    Khaleghl Quinn, Author, teacher, healer  

  • Jerri

    Yes the gift of touch is so important. It can send the message of caring and love in so many ways. When you meet someone and shake hands, pat a shoulder or arm, or give a hug, it open a very personal means of communication with out being offensive, with out saying repetitious or meaningless words. And touch is also a physical needs as has been proven with new born babies. While recently visiting a friend in the lat stages of Alzheimer’s I noticed that there was little to no response until I took and held his hand. He may not have known who I was, but the smile he then gave me let me know how important that touch and holding of hands was to him. Lied is energy and we can transfere that energy (both positive and negative) through touch.